It has been six months since the devastating earthquake hit the nation of Haiti.
Have we forgotten?
In the post-World Cup excitement, not to mention the recent visit of Queen Elizabeth II, it would be easy to forget this nation, one that was so thoroughly devastated by the massive quake.
At the time, we couldn’t get enough of the news. Canadians responded generously, compelled in part by local connections - for example, the death of volunteer Yvonne Martin, who lived in the Alma area and worked in Elmira. Martin, who was the first Canadian death that was confirmed by authorities, had lived for the nation of Haiti, and had been there on numerous occasions.
We think of others who have given major parts of their lives to the nation, a nation that has always borne the brunt of those who would exploit the poor and disenfranchised of the world, whether it was through slavery, or political coups.
Now, six months later, it would be easy to wash our hands, and say that we have done enough.
But have we really?
There are still reports that show there are many parts of this troubled nation that are still waiting to be rebuilt. There are people still living in large tent cities, still waiting for something more.
Some say it's going to be years before the rubble from the earthquake is cleared away and disposed of - the necessary first step to rebuilding.
More than that, there is this sense that we have condescended to “help” Haiti, rather than come alongside the work the Haitians themselves feel need to be done.
Perhaps we should take a page from the work of the Foundation for International Development Assistance — FIDA, an organization that was already well at work in Haiti before the earthquake, and has continued its commitment since.
At the time of the earthquake, Betsy Wall, director of FIDA, spoke about the need to rebuild Haiti in a way that respects the needs of those who live there — not in some way that reflects our idea of what is needed.
“We are here to listen to the people of Haiti,” said Wall, a few short weeks after the earthquake. “If people don’t heed the call of what is really wanted, there is going to be a Haiti that fits our vision of Haiti. That will be a sad day for Haiti.”
This week, as we remember the nation of Haiti, let us continue to commit to rebuilding the nation of Haiti — in a way that respects and appreciates the needs of the Haitian people, not our own.